Sulfonamides

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to sulfonamides, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use as antagonists of urotensin II.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sulfonamides, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as urotensin II antagonists

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The integrated control of cardiovascular homeostasis is achieved through a combination of both direct neuronal control and systemic neurohormonal activation. Although the resultant release of both contractile and relaxant factors is normally under stringent regulation, an aberration in this status quo can result in cardiohemodynamic dysfunction with pathological consequences.

The principal mammalian vasoactive factors that comprise this neurohumoral axis, namely angiotensin-II, endothelin-1, norepinephrine, all function via an interaction with specific G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). Urotensin-II, represents a novel member of this neurohumoral axis.

In the fish, this peptide has significant hemodynamic and endocrine actions in diverse end-organ systems and tissues:

-   -   smooth muscle contraction         -   both vascular and non-vascular in origin including smooth             muscle preparations from the gastrointestinal tract and             genitourinary tract. Both pressor and depressor activity has             been described upon systemic administration of exogenous             peptide     -   osmoregulation:         -   effects which include the modulation of transepithelial ion             (Na⁺, Cl⁻) transport. Although a diuretic effect has been             described, such an effect is postulated to be secondary to             direct renovascular effects (elevated GFR)     -   metabolism:         -   urotensin-II influences prolactin secretion and exhibits a             lipolytic effect in fish (activating triacylglycerol lipase             resulting in the mobilization of non-esterified free fatty             acids)         -   (Pearson, et. al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (U.S.) 1980, 77,             5021; Conlon, et. al. J. Exp. Zool. 1996, 275, 226.)     -   In studies with human Urotensin-Il it was found that it:     -   was an extremely potent and efficacious vasoconstrictor     -   exhibited sustained contractile activity that was extremely         resistant to wash out     -   had detrimental effects on cardiac performance (myocardial         contractility)

Human Urotensin-II was assessed for contractile activity in the rat-isolated aorta and was shown to be the most potent contractile agonist identified to date. Based on the in vitro pharmacology and in vivo hemodynamic profile of human Urotensin-il it plays a pathological role in cardiovascular diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal vasoconstriction and myocardial dysfunction. (Ames et. al. Nature 1999, 401, 282; Douglas & Ohlstein (2001). Trends Cardiovasc. Med., 10: in press).

Compounds that antagonize the Urotensin-II receptor may be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), COPD, fibrosis (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis), restenosis, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, asthma, (Hay D W P, Luttmann Mass., Douglas S A: 2000, Br J Pharmacol: 131; 10-12) neurogenic inflammation and metabolic vasculopathies all of which are characterized by abnormal vasoconstriction and/or myocardial dysfunction. Urotensin antagonists may provide end organ protection in hypersensitive cohorts in addition to lowering blood pressure.

Since U-II and GPR14 are both expressed within the mammalian CNS (Ames et. al. Nature 1999, 401, 282), they also may be useful in the treatment of addiction, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders/Alzheimers disease, (Gartlon J. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2001 June; 155(4):426-33), impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, pain, migraine, neuromuscular function, parkinsons, movement disorders, sleep-wake cycle, and incentive motivation (Clark et al. Brain Research 923 (2001) 120-127.

Functional U-II receptors are expressed in rhabdomyosarcomas cell lines and therefore may have oncological indications. Urotensin may also be implicated in various metabolic diseases such as diabetes (Ames et. al. Nature 1999, 401, 282, Nothacker et al., Nature Cell Biology 1: 383-385, 1999) and in various gastrointestinal disorders, bone, cartilage, and joint disorders (e.g. arthritis and osteoporosis); and genito-urinary disorders. Therefore, these compounds may be useful for the prevention (treatment) of gastric reflux, gastric motility and ulcers, arthritis, osteoporosis and urinary incontinence.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect this invention provides for sulfonamides and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

In a second aspect, this invention provides for the use of sulfonamides as antagonists of urotensin II, and as inhibitors of urotensin II.

In another aspect, this invention provides for the use of sulfonamides for treating conditions associated with urotensin II imbalance.

In yet another aspect, this invention provides for the use of sulfonamides for the treatment of congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), renal disease (acute and chronic renal failure/end stage renal disease) along with peripheral vascular disease (male erectile dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy, intermittent claudication/ischemic limb disease) and ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenic inflammation, migraine, metabolic vasculopathies, bone/cartilage/joint diseases, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, fibrosis (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis), sepsis, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, addiction, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders/Alzheimers disease, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, parkinsons, movement disorders, sleep-wake cycle, incentive motivation, pain, neuromuscular function, diabetes, gastric reflux, gastric motility disorders, ulcers and genitourinary diseases.

The urotensin antagonist may be administered alone or in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic agents, said agents being selected from the group consisting of endothelin receptor antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, A-II receptor antagonists, vasopeptidase inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin, and dual non-selective β-adrenoceptor and α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention are described further in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TME INVENTION

The present invention provides for compounds of Formula (I):

wherein:

-   R₁ is phenyl, benzothiophenyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl,     benzthiadiazoyl, benzoxadiazoyl, quinolinyl, or naphthyl, all of     which may be substituted or unsubstituted by one, two, three, four     or five of the following: halogen, methoxy, OH, NO₂, YCF₃, C₁₋₄     alkyl, C₍₀₋₄₎alkylCO₂C₍₀₋₄₎alkyl, cyano, cycloC₍₁₋₄₎alkylenedioxy,     or dimethylamino; -   R₃ and R₄ are independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl or benzyl; or with     the nitrogen form a pyrrolidine or piperidine ring; -   R₅ and R₆ are independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; -   X is O or CH₂; -   Y is a bond or 0;     or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

When used herein, the term “alkyl” includes all straight chain and branched isomers. Representative examples thereof include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl and n-hexyl.

When used herein, the terms ‘halogen’ and ‘halo’ include fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine and fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, respectively.

The compounds of the present invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may exist in racemic and optically active form. All of these compounds and their diastereoisomers are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

Preferably R₁ is phenyl, which may be substituted or unsubstituted by one, two, or three of the following: halogen, methoxy, NO₂, YCF₃, or C₁₋₄ alkyl.

Preferably R₃ is alkyl; more preferably R₃ is methyl or ethyl.

Preferably R₄ is alkyl; more preferably R₄ is methyl or ethyl.

Preferably X is O.

Preferably Y is a bond.

Preferred compounds are:

-   2,6-Dichloro-N-[3-(dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]tdfluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide; -   2-Bromo-4,5-dimethoxy-N-[3-(dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide; -   5-Bromo-2,4-dichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid     [3-(2-dimethyamino-ethoxy)-4 trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide; -   2,4,5-Trichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid     [(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide; and -   2,5-Dichloro-4-methyl-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid     [(2imethylamino-ethoxy)-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide.

Compounds of Formula (I) may be prepared as outlined in Scheme 1 or 2.

Conditions: a) benzophenone imine, 150° C.; b) NaH, HOCH₂CH₂NR₃R₄, dimethylforamide, ambient temperature; then 2, 100° C.; c) 1 N hydrochloric acid, reflux; d) R₁—SO₂Cl, chloroform, ambient temperature. R₁, R₃, and R₄ are as defined in Formula (I).

Treatment of 3-fluoro-4-trifiuoromethylaniline (1) with benzophenone imine afford imine 2. Displacement of the fluoride was accomplished with various sodium alkoxides to provide ethers 3. Conversion of the imine back to the aniline, followed by sulfonylation with various sulfonyl chlorides furnished the desired sulfonamides 5.

For example, oxidation of aniline 6 gave nitrobenzene 7. Substitution of the aryl fluoride with various alcohols furnished the ethers 8. Hydrogenation of the nitro group provided anilines 9, which were subsequently sulfonylated with variuos sulfonyl chlorides to furnish the target compounds 10.

A number of sulfonyl chlorides used in the synthesis of the title compounds were not available commercially and may be prepared as follows:

For example, 4-bromoveratrole (11) was treated with chlorosulfonic acid to furnish the desired sulfonyl chloride 12.

Chlorination of thiophene 13 furnished the desired sulfonyl chloride 14.

Thiophene 15 was treated with chlorosulfonic acid to furnish the desired sulfonyl chloride 16.

With appropriate manipulation, including the use of alternative nitrogen protecting group(s), the synthesis of the remaining compounds of Formula (I) was accomplished by methods analogous to those above and to those described in the Experimental section.

In order to use a compound of the Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the treatment of humans and other mammals it is normally formulated in accordance with standard pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition.

Compounds of Formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be administered in a standard manner for the treatment of the indicated diseases, for example orally, parenterally, sub-lingually, transdermally, rectally, via inhalation or via buccal administration.

Compounds of Formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active when given orally can be formulated as syrups, tablets, capsules and lozenges. A syrup formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or salt in a liquid carrier for example, ethanol, peanut oil, olive oil, glycerine or water with a flavoring or coloring agent. Where the composition is in the form of a tablet, any pharmaceutical carrier routinely used for preparing solid formulations may be used. Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, terra alba, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, stearic acid, starch, lactose and sucrose. Where the composition is in the form of a capsule, any routine encapsulation is suitable, for example using the aforementioned carriers in a hard gelatin capsule shell. Where the composition is in the form of a soft gelatin shell capsule any pharmaceutical carrier routinely used for preparing dispersions or suspensions may be considered, for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and are incorporated in a soft gelatin capsule shell.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound or salt in a sterile aqueous or non-aqueous carrier optionally containing a parenterally acceptable oil, for example polyethylene glycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil, or sesame oil.

Typical compositions for inhalation are in the form of a solution, suspension or emulsion that may be administered as a dry powder or in the form of an aerosol using a conventional propellant such as dichlorodifluoromethane or trichlorofluoromethane.

A typical suppository formulation comprises a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which is active when administered in this way, with a binding and/or lubricating agent, for example polymeric glycols, gelatins, cocoa-butter or other low melting vegetable waxes or fats or their synthetic analogues.

Typical transdermnal formulations comprise a conventional aqueous or non-aqueous vehicle, for example a cream, ointment, lotion or paste or are in the form of a medicated plaster, patch or membrane.

Preferably the composition is in unit dosage form, for example a tablet, capsule or metered aerosol dose, so that the patient may administer to themselves a single dose.

Each dosage unit for oral administration contains suitably from 0.1 mg to 500 mg/Kg, and preferably from 1 mg to 100 mg/Kg, and each dosage unit for parenteral administration contains suitably from 0.1 mg to 100 mg, of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free acid. Each dosage unit for intranasal administration contains suitably 1400 mg and preferably 10 to 200 mg per person. A topical formulation contains suitably 0.01 to 1.0% of a compound of Formula (I).

The daily dosage regimen for oral administration is suitably about 0.01 mg/Kg to 40 mg/Kg, of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free acid. The daily dosage regimen for parenteral administration is suitably about 0.001 mg/Kg to 40 mg/Kg, of a compound of the Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free acid. The daily dosage regimen for intranasal administration and oral inhalation is suitably about 10 to about 500 mg/person. The active ingredient may be administered from 1 to 6 times a day, sufficient to exhibit the desired activity.

These sulphonamide analogs may be used for the treatment of congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease (angina, myocardial ischemia), cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension (essential and pulmonary), renal disease (acute and chronic renal failure/end stage renal disease) along with peripheral vascular disease (male erectile dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy, intermittent claudication/ischemic limb disease) and ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenic inflammation, migraine, metabolic vasculopathies, bone/cartilage/joint diseases, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, fibrosis (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis), sepsis, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, addiction, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders/Alzheimers disease, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, pain, neuromuscular function, diabetes, gastric reflux, gastric motility disorders, ulcers and genitourinary diseases.

The urotensin antagonist may be administered alone or in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic agents, said agents being selected from the group consisting of endothelin receptor antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, A-II receptor antagonists, vasopeptidase inhibitors, diuretics, digoxin, and dual non-selective β-adrenoceptor and α₁-adrenoceptor antagonists.

No unacceptable toxicological effects are expected when compounds of the invention are administered in accordance with the present invention.

The biological activity of the compounds of Formula (I) are demonstrated by the following tests:

Radioligand Binding:

HEK-293 cell membranes containing stable cloned human and rat GPR-14 (20 ug/assay) were incubated with 200 pM [125I] h-U-II (200 Ci/mmol⁻¹ in the presence of increasing concentrations of test compounds in DMSO (0.1 nM to 10 uM), in a final incubation volume of 200 ul (20 mM Tris-HCl, 5 mM MgCl2). Incubation was done for 30 minutes at room temperature followed by filtration GF/B filters with Brandel cell harvester. ¹²⁵I labeled U-II binding was quantitated by gamma counting. Nonspecific binding was defined by ¹²⁵I U-II binding in the presence of 100 nM of unlabeled human U-II. Analysis of the data was performed by nonlinear least square fitting.

Ca²⁺-Mobilization:

A microtitre plate based Ca²⁺-mobilization FLIPR assay (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.) was used for the functional identification of the ligand activating HEK-293 cells expressing (stable) recombinant GPR-14. The day following transfection, cells were plated in a poly-D-lysine coated 96 well black/clear plates. After 18-24 hours the media was aspirated and Fluo 3AM-loaded cells were exposed to various concentrations (10 nM to 30 uM) of test compounds followed by h-U-II. After initiation of the assay, fluorescence was read every second for one minute and then every 3 seconds for the following one minute. The inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC50) was calculated for various test compounds.

Inositol Phosphates Assays:

HEK-293-GPR14 cells in T150 flask were prelabeled overnight with 1 uCi myo-[³H] inositol per ml of inositol free Dulbecco's modified Eagel's medium. After labeling, the cells were washed twice with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) and then incubated in DPBS containing 10 mM LiCl for 10 min at 37° C. The experiment was initiated by the addition of increasing concentrations of h-U-II (1 pM to 1 μM) in the absence and presence of three different concentrations (0.3, 1 and 10 uM) of test compounds and the incubation continued for an additional 5 min at 37° C. after which the reaction was terminated by the addition of 10% (final concentration) trichloroacetic acid and centrifugation. The supernatants were neutralized with 100 ul of 1M Trizma base and the inositol phosphates were separated on AG 1-X8 columns (0.8 ml packed, 100-200 mesh) in formate phase. Inositol monophosphate was eluted with 8 ml of 200 mM ammonium formate. Combined inositol di and tris phosphate waseluted with 4 ml of 1M ammonium formate/0.1 M formic acid. Eluted fractions were counted in beta scintillation counter. Based on shift from the control curve KB was calculated.

Activity for the compounds of this invention range from (radioligand binding assay): Ki=50 nM−10000 nM (example 8 Ki=1300 nM)

The following Examples are illustrative but not limiting embodiments of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

2,6-Dichloro-N-[3-(dimethylamino-ethoixy)-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl benzenesulfonamide

a) Benzhydrylidine-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amine

A mixture of 4-amino-2-fluorobenzotrifluoride (5.0 g, 28 mmol) and benzophenone imine (4.7 mL, 5.1 g, 28 mmol) was heated at 150° C. for 3 h. After cooling to rt, the reaction mixture was vacuum filtered through a pad of silica gel eluting successively with hexanes, 4% and 10% EtOAc in hexanes to afford the title compound as a yellow oil; yield 3.5 g (36%): LCMS 344 (M⁺+H)

-   -   b) 3-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)₄ trifluoromethyl-phenylamine

To a solution of 2-dimethylaminoethanol (0.65 g, 7.3 mmol) in DMF (73 mL) was added NaH (60% in mineral oil, 0.29 g, 7.3 mmol) at rt. The reaction mixture was stirrred at rt for 1 h and benzydrylidine-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amine (1.0 g, 2.9 mmol) was added. After heating at 100° C. for 3 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to rt and poured into sat'd. aq. NH₄Cl, extracted with EtOAc and the organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with 1N HCl (100 mL) was heated at reflux for 0.5 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and extracted with ether. The aqueous phase was neutralized with 10% aq. NaOH and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound as a red oil; yield 0.25 g (35%): LCMS 249 (M⁺+H).

c) 2,6-Dichloro-N-[3-(dimethylano-ethoxy)-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide

To a mixture of 3-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4trifluoromethyl-phenylamine (0.050 g, 0.2 mmol) in CHCl₃ (2.0 mL) was added 2,6-dichloro-4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.063 g, 0.2 mmol) at rt. After stirring at rt for 72 h, the solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by vacuum filtration through silica gel eluting successively with 4% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ and 10% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ followed by a mixture of CH₂Cl₂, MeOH and conc. NH₄OH (90:10:1). The solvent was removed from the desired fractions and the residue was recrystallized from a mixture of MeOH and EtOAc to afford the title compound as a white solid; yield 0.006 g (6%): LCMS 525 (M⁺+H).

Example 2 was prepared as in Example I substituting the appropriate starting materials. MS (ES+) m/e Example Compound [M + H]⁺

2-Bromo-4,5-dimethoxy-N-[3- (dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4- trifluoromethyl-phenyl]- benzenesulfonamide 527

EXAMPLES 3-5

a) 2-Fluoro-4-nitrobenzotrifluoride

A solution of 4-amino-2-fluorobenzotrifluoride (25.0 g, 0.14 mol, 1.0 eq) in trifluoroacetic acid (140 ml) was heated to reflux then was treated with the dropwise addition of 50% hydrogen peroxide (66.7 ml, 1.18 mol, 8.4 eq) over 35 min. The reaction was heated at reflux for 1.5 hrs further then cooled to ambient temperature. Poured into ice-water (1 L) then stirred overnight. The oil that separated was collected (decanting the water phase) then diluted with diethyl ether (150 ml). The ether solution was washed with aqueous 10% HCl (100 ml), saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×100 ml), and brine (100 ml) then dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate. Evaporation under reduced pressure gave an orange-brown oil. Distillation (14 torr, 88-90° C.) gave the product as a yellow liquid (15.0 g, 51%)

b) 2-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4-nitrobenzotrifluoride

A solution of 2-fluoro-4-nitrobenzotrifluoride (2.9 g, 14 mmol) and 2-dimethylaminoethanol (1.2 g, 14 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (100 ml) was cooled to 0° C. then slowly treated with portions of 60% sodium hydride (550 mg, 14 mmol) over 20 min. Without removing the ice bath, the reaction was allowed to come to room temperature and stir for 16 hrs. The reaction was quenched with water (50 ml) and brine (100 ml) then extracted into diethyl ether (2×100 ml). The extracts were washed with 0.5 M sodium hydroxide (100 mL), water (100 mL), and brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated. Column chromatography on silica (dichloromethane→10% methanol/dichloromethane) gave 2-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4-nitrobenzotrfluoride (1.6 g, 41%).

-   -   c) 3-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamine

A solution of 2-(2dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4-nitrobenzotrfluoride (1.5 g, 5.4 mmol) in ethyl acetate (40 ml) was treated with 10% platinum on carbon (150 mg) then subjected to 35 psi hydrogen pressure for 4 hrs. The slurry was filtered through a pad of Celite. The filter cake was rinsed with ethyl acetate (2×25 ml) and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was then dissolved in 1 N HCl (100 mL) and washed with ether (100 mL). Aqueous layer was basified with 2 N sodium hydroxide and extracted with ether (2×100 mL). The extracts were washed with water (100 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated to provide 3-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4-trifluoromethyl-phenylamine (1.0 g, 77%): LCMS 249 (M⁺+H).

Examples 3-5 were prepared following the procedure described in 1c:

5-Bromo-2,4-dichloro-thiophene-3- sulfonic acid [3-(2-dimethyamino- ethoxy)-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide 541

2,4,5-Trichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid [(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide 497

2,5-Dichloro-4-methyl-thiophene-3- sulfonic acid [(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)- trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide 477

EXAMPLE 2a

2-Bromo-4,5-dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl Chloride

To a cooled (0° C.) solution of 4-bromoveratrole (15 mL, 100 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was added dropwise chlorosufonic acid (26 mL, 400 mmol). The reaction was allowed to slowly warm to ambient temperature and maintained for 3 hours, at which time it was concentrated and diluted with ether (300 mL). The resultant solution was then washed with ice cold water (2×250 mL) and brine (100 mL), dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to furnish a grayish powder (25 g, 78%).

EXAMPLE 4a

2,4,5-Trichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonyl Chloride

A mixture of 2,5-dichlorothiophene-3-sulfonyl chloride (1.2 g, 5 mmol) and sulfur monochloride (10 mg) in sulfuryl chloride (500 mg) was heated at 60° C. for 30 min, at which time was added dropwise a mixture of aluminum trichloride (10 mg) in sulfuryl chloride (500 mg). The reaction was heated at 60° C. for an additional 3 hours, at which time it was allowed to cool to ambient temperature. Cold water (20 mL) was added and the reaction extracted with dichloromethane (2×20 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, dried (Mg₂SO₄) and concentrated to furnish a tan solid (420 mg, 33%).

EXAMPLE 5a

2,5-Dichloro-4-methylthiophene-3-sulfonyl Chloride

To a cooled (10° C.) solution of 3-methylthiophene (5 g, 50 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 mL) was added a solution of sulfuryl chloride (8.6 mL) in dichloromethane (5 mL). The reaction mixture was maintained at 10° C. for 30 minutes, then at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The reaction was concentrated and redissolved in dichloromethane (30 mL) and cooled to −10° C. To the cooled solution was added chlorosulfonic acid (2 mL, 100 mmol). The reaction was maintained at −10° C. for 30 minutes, then at ambient temperature for 16 hours, at which time it was poured into ice water (50 mL) and extracted with dichloromethane (50 mL). The organic layer was dried (Mg₂SO₄) and concentrated to furnish a brown oil (3.3 g, 25%).

EXAMPLE 6

Formulations for pharmaceutical use incorporating compounds of the present invention can be prepared in various forms and with numerous excipients. Examples of such formulations are given below. Tablets/Ingredients Per Tablet 1. Active ingredient 40 mg (Cpd of Form. I) 2. Corn Starch 20 mg 3. Alginic acid 20 mg 4. Sodium Alginate 20 mg 5. Mg stearate 1.3 mg 2.3 mg Procedure for Tablets:

-   Step 1: Blend ingredients No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 in a     suitable mixer/blender. -   Step 2: Add sufficient water portion-wise to the blend from Step 1     with careful mixing after each addition. Such additions of water and     mixing until the mass is of a consistency to permit its conversion     to wet granules. -   Step 3: The wet mass is converted to granules by passing it through     an oscillating granulator using a No. 8 mesh (2.38 mm) screen. -   Step 4: The wet granules are then dried in an oven at 140° F. (60°     C.) until dry. -   Step 5: The dry granules are lubricated with ingredient No. 5. -   Step 6: The lubricated granules are compressed on a suitable tablet     press.     Inhalant Formulation

A compound of Formula I, (1 mg to 100 mg) is aerosolized from a metered dose inhaler to deliver the desired amount of drug per use.

Parenteral Formulation

A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration is prepared by dissolving an appropriate amount of a compound of formula I in polyethylene glycol with heating. This solution is then diluted with water for injections Ph Eur. (to 100 ml). The solution is then sterilized by filtration through a 0.22 micron membrane filter and sealed in sterile containers.

The above specification and Examples fully disclose how to make and use the compounds of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described hereinabove, but includes all modifications thereof within the scope of the following claims. The various references to journals, patents and other publications which are cited herein comprise the state of the art and are incorporated herein by reference as though fully set forth. 

1. A compound of Formula (1)

wherein: R₁ is phenyl, benzothiophenyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, benzthiadiazoyl, benzoxadiazoyl, quinolinyl, or naphthyl, all of which may be substituted or unsubstituted by one, two, three, four or five of the following: halogen, methoxy, OH, NO₂, YCF₃, C₁₋₄ alkyl, C₍₀₋₄₎)alkylCO²C₍₀₋₄₎alkyl, cyano, cycloC₍₁₋₄₎alkylenedioxy, or dimethylamino; R₃ and R₄ are independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl or benzyl; or with the nitrogen form a pyrrolidine or piperidine ring; R₅ and R₆ are independently hydrogen or C₁₋₆ alkyl; X is O or CH₂; Y is a bond or O; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R₁ is phenyl, thienyl, pyridinyl, benzthiadiazoyl, benzoxadiazoyl, or naphthyl, all of which may be substituted or unsubstituted by one, two, or three of the following: halogen, methoxy, NO₂, YCF₃, or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₃ is alkyl; R₄ is alkyl; X is O, and Y is a bond.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R₁ is phenyl, thienyl, pyridinyl, benzthiadiazoyl, benzoxadiazoyl, or naphthyl, all of which may be substituted or unsubstituted by one, two, or three of the following: halogen, methoxy, NO₂, YCF₃, or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R₃ is methyl or ethyl; R₄ is methyl or ethyl; X is O, and Y is a bond.
 4. A compound of claim 1 chosen from the group consisting of: 2,6-Dichloro-N-[3-(dimethylamino-ethoxy)₄-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-4trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide; 2-Bromo-4,5-dimethoxy-N-[3-(dimethylamino-ethoxy)-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide; 5-Bromo-2,4-dichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid [3-(2-dimethyamino-ethoxy)-4 trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide; 2,4,5-Trichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid [(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide; and 2,5-Dichloro-4-methyl-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid [(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-trifluoromethyl-phenyl]-amide.
 5. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 6. A method of treating conditions associated with Urotensin-II imbalance by antagonizing the Urotensin-II receptor which comprises administering to a patient in need thereof, a compound of Formula I of claim
 1. 7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the disease is congestive heart failure, stroke, ischemic heart disease, angina, myocardial ischemia, cardiac arrhythmia, essential and pulmonary hypertension, renal disease, acute and chronic renal failure, end stage renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, male erectile dysfunction, diabetic retinopathy, intermittent claudication/ischemic limb disease, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, COPD, restenosis, asthma, neurogenic inflammation, migraine, metabolic vasculopathies, bone/cartilage/joint diseases, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, sepsis, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, addiction, schizophrenia, cognitive disorders, Alzheimers disease, impulsivity, anxiety, stress, depression, parkinsons, movement disorders, sleep-wake cycle, incentive motivation, pain, neuromuscular function, diabetes, gastric reflux, gastric motility disorders, ulcers and genitourinary diseases. 